Some artists create music; others craft experiences. Andrea Pizzo and the Purple Mice belong to the latter, a visionary group from Genova, Italy, known for their celestial storytelling and genre-blurring soundscapes. With their latest single, Hidden Figures, released on January 19, 2025, they weave history, emotion, and sonic elegance into a tribute to two pioneers—Katherine Johnson and John Glenn. This is no ordinary song; it’s a journey through time and space, powered by dream pop’s shimmering textures, shoegaze’s ethereal haze, and pop-rock’s anthemic spirit, a style many will love. Keep on reading for my review of this beautiful track.
The song starts with a soft, mellow groove and gentle keys, introducing us to a world of delicate beauty. The mellow backdrop sets the stage for the moving narrative, giving way to Irene Buselli’s beautiful vocals. When she softly sang the opening lines, “I work hard to break barriers. And because numbers are true,” I was drawn into the story. Her voice was gentle yet confident, as she embodied the powerful determination of Katherine Johnson, the brilliant mathematician whose calculations helped propel John Glenn’s historic flight into orbit. Buselli’s delivery is intimate and emotive; every word carries the weight of the struggle for equality and excellence.
Delving deeper, “Hidden Figures” is a rich curtain of admiration and respect. The dialogue between Johnson and Glenn is brought to life with heartfelt sincerity, particularly in the refrain, “Please let’s work together, hand in hand, and we’ll do it!” The vocals soar with a sense of unity and purpose, conveying the incredible power of collaboration. There’s an understated urgency in their delivery, one that hits hard with anyone who’s fought for recognition or equality. As the song builds and swells toward its emotional peak, Johnson reflects, “It’s not me, sir; it’s just the math. Numbers never lie or trick,” reminding us that the true power of these figures lies in their brilliance and unshakable faith in truth and precision.
Musically, the blend of dreamy instrumentation is the song’s heartbeat, with lush layers of guitar and subtle percussion. Andrea Pizzo and his bandmates, Raffaella Turbino, Riccardo Morello, and Roberto Tiranti, have crafted an expansive and delicate production. Roberto Tiranti’s expert production and arrangements help the song unfold in a way that mirrors the unfolding of the narrative itself. The dreamy atmospherics combined with the light shoegaze touches create a mesmerizing landscape, immersing us as the song weaves through its lyrical journey. Everything was beautiful, and I found the production amazing, simple in its aspects but strong enough in others that kept things engaged for the whole time I listened to this song.
Overall, “Hidden Figures” is more than the song we see it to be. It’s a tribute, a lesson, and a celebration. By channeling the spirit of two figures who changed the course of history, Andrea Pizzo and the Purple Mice prove that music, much like mathematics, has the power to surpass barriers and bring light to the unseen. With this stellar release, they have not only honored Katherine Johnson and John Glenn but have also solidified their place as masterful storytellers in the indie music sphere. Keep on shining, Andrea Pizzo and the Purple Mice—you are a winner with this song, and your journey through the universe has just begun.
Listen to “Hidden Figures” on Spotify
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